The Resource Conservation Initiative (RESCONI) participated in a one-day stakeholder workshop on 31st March 2026 at Mensvic Hotel, Accra, to review and validate the Draft National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Crime (2026 - 2035).
This high-level stakeholder workshop was dedicated to reviewing and validating Ghana’s national strategy for combating wildlife crimes. It marked a significant step forward in the country's multi-agency approach to protecting its wildlife resources, biodiversity, and enforcing the newly enacted Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2024 (Act 1115). Moreso, it served as a platform for critical dialogue on this landmark legislation, which is a revision and consolidation of Ghana's laws on wildlife and protected areas and approaches for enhancing enforcement.
The workshop brought together a broad spectrum of expertise from the public and private sectors and non-state actors, including:
• Government Agencies: Forestry Commission, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ghana Police Service, Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), INTERPOL-National Central Bureau (NCB), Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ghana Immigration Service, Judicial Service, and the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).
• Non-Governmental Organizations: Earth Synergy Initiative, A Rocha Ghana, and RESCONI.
• Industry Associations: The Bushmeat Traders Association, Wildlife Exporters Association, and the Ghana Timber Millers Organization (GTMO).
It was opened with an overview of the background and key objectives of the proposed framework, delivered by Mr. Enoch Amasa Ashie, Director of Operations at the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission. Following this, Mr. James Oppong, Business Planning Manager, Wildlife Division, highlighted significant milestones achieved to date, specifically the formation and training of the Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force (WLEFT). This task force is central to the strategy, tasked with the direct enforcement of wildlife laws and the prosecution of illegal traffickers. Mr. Oppong presented the Draft Strategy in detail, inviting participants to provide technical inputs and recommend amendments to ensure the document is both robust and enforceable.
It was brought to light that establishing dedicated Environmental Courts would be instrumental in the effective prosecution of violations related to forestry, wildlife, and the broader environment. RESCONI representative proposed incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced monitoring technologies into the strategy to improve the tracking and surveillance of illegal activities. The representative from the Bushmeat Traders Association stressed the urgent need for intensified education and outreach programs in forest-fringed communities and remote villages, where illegal wildlife activities often originate. This collaborative effort successfully synthesized ideas from diverse disciplines to refine the comprehensive draft national strategy.
RESCONI is proud to be part in this vital developmental initiative, and we reaffirm our commitment to working with all stakeholders and partners to eradicate wildlife crime and trade and ensure a sustainable future for Ghana’s natural heritage.
